Director of Institutional Advancement

Description

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Institutional Advancement serves as a key architect of the school’s long-term vitality and mission impact. In close partnership with the President, advancement team, and Board of Directors, the Director designs and leads a comprehensive, mission-driven advancement strategy that inspires philanthropic investment and deepens community engagement.

This role drives a dynamic, donor-centered giving program, strategically manages a portfolio of gift prospects, and oversees all facets of fundraising, including signature events, alumni relations, and integrated communications. The Director cultivates meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders, fostering a vibrant culture of generosity rooted in the school’s Catholic identity.

By aligning advancement initiatives with institutional priorities, the Director ensures sustainable philanthropic growth, strengthens community bonds, and secures the resources necessary to advance the school’s mission.

The Diocese of Orlando core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and functions are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

This position will have primary responsibility for:

• Providing leadership for and management oversight of Institutional Advancement and its potential reporting units: Admissions, Advancement Services, Alumni Affairs, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Advancement Research, Marketing, and      Communications.
• Serving as a liaison between MCC and its stakeholders.
• Creating and managing the yearly annual fund plan.
• Producing and administering the annual department budget that includes giving goals and expenses necessary to achieve them.
• Collaborating with the President and the Board of Directors to design and implement development initiatives and strategies.
• Monitoring the research and preparation of materials for all solicitations.
• Identifying and soliciting potential annual, major, and planned giving donors.
• Cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donor prospects.
• Overseeing all cultivation events and the preparation of all development materials.
• Managing the school’s donor database.
• Developing strategic community partnerships and relationships through participation in professional and service organizations.
• Contacting the Board of Directors, community, business and civic leaders as necessary to maintain and improve the prospect list and encourage volunteer support.
• Developing and implementing board member events and overseeing ongoing cultivation and education programs for high-level volunteers.
• Working with school leadership, faculty, alumni, and board members to create methods to articulate clearly school programs and funding priorities.
• Directing the construction/implementation of projects directly tied to donor funds as directed by the school president.
• Traveling for alumni events and assisting in alumni activities.
• Coordinating the preparation of newsletters, giving and campaign reports, and other communications as needed.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. We may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (preferably in communications, business, non-profit management, or a related field) and five (5) years’ experience that includes proven success in building/fostering relationships, proven fundraising experience, and working effectively with a wide variety of people and interest groups. Requires a demonstrated commitment and respect for the Catholic Church and for the tenants of Catholic Social teaching.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience in using development software such as Little Green Light, eTapestry, Raisers Edge, Constant Contact, and others.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Suite.
• Small and large group presentation skills.
• Volunteer recruitment and management experience.
• Well-organized with attention to detail, including organization, prioritization, judgement, discretion, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Successful completion of pre-employment and annual criminal background checks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This candidate will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. The candidate must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds).

Review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential for job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.